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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 121

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles…"

Text: Ephesians 3:1

A PECULIAR PHRASE

Paul used a rather peculiar phrase in the statement “For this reason” although the English translation does not pick this up much. It is worth the trouble to attempt figuring out how Paul constructed this phrase “for this reason” (“toutou charin”).

1. The demonstrative article “this” (“toutou”)

The demonstrative pronoun “this” is employed significantly here.

2. The use of the demonstrative pronoun

The demonstrative pronoun is used to call special attention to the noun with which it is connected.

3. The significance of the use of the demonstrative pronoun

The demonstrative pronoun is used with a high sense of purpose. Paul had written two powerful chapters in which he unfolded the great Divine Plan of redemption in Christ. The climax of that glorious work of redemption was the building of a dwelling place (“katoiketrion”) for God to dwell among His people. This plan was so profound that Paul felt he needed to call attention to it. Hence the use of the demonstrative pronoun.

4. The word translated “reason” (“charin”)

The translators (NKJV) chose the word “reason” to translate the word “charin” (which literally means “grace”).

a) The choice of the word “reason”

This word was chosen probably because of the use of the demonstrative pronoun “toutou”.

b) The word translated “reason” is really the word “grace” (“charin”- accusative)

The root word is “grace” (“charis”). This word is one of the most prominently used words in Paul’s theological vocabulary.